I live 4 hours away from Vancouver. I was buying online from Badminton Warehouse. It's actually cheaper than my local Sportchek. (their price is $269 + Taxes + it's frame only.
Honestly I believe Z force is purely purely just alot of raw power. Z speed I found to be very easy with the drop shots and back hands, all the fancy shots. The Z speed is a bit lacking power compared to the z force. depending if you are the tank or the one who sets the rallly going.
I had both zf and zs and both 3u. I mainly play doubles. As for zf, I'm using it when I'll be the one who played rear court more since partnering with someone who is better at the mid/front. Clear/smash/drop shot feel more solid but definite with some sacrificing when comes to defense. And for zs, when I'm partnering with someone who is a real hard hitter and able to smash like crazy since I'll be playing a much faster pace from covering mid and front court. Hitting smashes and drives with zs it's really nice and it sound crisp and clear and it's really fast. It's kind of like a rocket launcher (zf) and a laser gun (zs). Well, it really depends on your playing style. But if you want something really all round, arc11 will do the job nicely. Zf head heaviness it's not an issue but the stiffness is (unless you have tested extra stiff racket before) and it's really a solid racket. As for zs, it's not exactly headlight. It's more even balance with a little head heavy but you wouldn't feel it when swinging because of the smaller frame size and make kind of faster. So, the choice is up to you. If you have a fast and powerful swing speed, go for zf. If you have precision timing and accuracy in your swing, then zs is the one. If you are more balance in both, go for arc11 (I have broken mine and missing it :crying.
There are other much cheaper places to buy online. Like mybadmintonstore.com or from rkep eric on ebay. And btw I second and highly recommend 4U VT70, which has normal size head and is less head heavy and less stiff than VTZF. Much better and more manageable for doubles of your level. The ZF will be a big jump in stiffness from your Nano racket.
Thanks visor! I just checked out Eric on eBay, he's selling for $200, +$30 shipping and probably $15 more in Customs. I've almost completely decided to get the 4U version! Could you guys tell me what string to get, and what tension? I've never actually known about the tension thing, so I have no clue! Thanks a lot, appreciate it!
So far I haven't had to pay customs... fingers crossed... What strings are you using now? If possible, what's the frequency of your stringbed? And are you playing plastic or feather birds?
Er damn, I mis-read your post. You're recommending the V70?-.- Why are there so many optionssss. I'm tempted to just start another thread. I just want the best doubles racket. Is that the V70?
I have no idea what my string tension is, it's just default, I think that's 20? Whatever the store strings it at officially. Also I play feather only.
Well... are you a muscular guy? How much do you weigh? If you're strong, you can easily wield a 4U ZF for fast doubles play.
Yeah, go for it... you can handle it or grow into it. If not you can sell it off more easily than VT70 because it's more in demand than VT70. Strings: I'd say Ashaway Zymax 65 at 24 lbs. Great repulsion, control, tension retention, and durability. Eric does excellent string jobs.
Hmm I'm looking at his list, and U don't think Ashaway is an option, just says BG65 etc. I really hope I can use the 4U Z Force! It would be a shame to spend so much and also have it shipped for nothing
Zymax is not listed but he carries it. Also another tip: email him directly at that email address on his ebay page and you can get improved pricing.
And since you have some space in the box, you may as well order a few of his RKEP EX3 socks. They're incredibly good for the price... better than some Adidas or Nike technical socks. And don't forget RKEP grips G09, better for the price than Yonex supergrap. Do some research on the relevant threads and you'll see what I mean.
I remember the last time I had a hit with a Z-Force, I couldn't actually feel when I'd hit the shuttle. It was like the shuttle didn't actually hit the strings, but instead went into some weird time vortex and came out the other side in the vague direction of my opponent, just before it stuck a knife into my shoulder and laughed maniacally, telling me how much of a weakling I was. I give it three weeks.
3U. But it won't make any difference. I've owned 4u BS10 and SW35 too, and they're just too stiff for my decaying shoulder too.
i concur in regards to the sw35, unless i'm really optimistic on a certain day when i play i'd use it, otherwise, i'd say "meh, i'll let it sit there" for the sake of my body
